The G Manifesto

Peter Schiff: The Humpty Dumpty Economy

Before the current economic crisis became apparent to all, the most popular fable used to describe America’s uncanny economic resiliency was the story of Goldilocks. It was argued that our economy was skipping down a sunny path of moderate growth, low inflation and rising asset prices. However, a much better parable for our economy over the last decade would have been the story of Humpty Dumpty: a bloated, fragile shell perched on the top of a dangerously high stone wall. This week, all the government’s horses and all of its men scrambled to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Here is a look at some of this week’s highlights:

The Mother of all Moral Hazards

No doubt prodded by the administration, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a new attempt to stop the fall in home prices and foreclosures through a loan modification program that would cap mortgage payments so that a homeowner’s total housing expenses would not exceed 38% of household income for home owners who are 90 days delinquent.

In a classic case of unintended consequences, the plan will encourage a massive new round of delinquencies and household income reduction as homeowners will jump through hoops to qualify for the program and maximize their benefit. Those who could conceivably economize to meet their existing obligations will now have a strong reason to forego such sacrifices. Those who are not 90 days past due will intentionally become so. In many cases, dual income families may decide to eliminate one job altogether as reduced mortgage payments combined with lower child care and other work related expenses will likely exceed the after-tax value of the lost paycheck.

Unfortunately, the last thing our economy needs is falling household incomes and even more bad debt. But that is precisely what this plan will give us.

Source

Peter Schiff Schooling everyone, kind of like I do, out at night, swooping girls:

Peter Schiff Was Right 2006 - 2007 (2nd Edition)

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

James Brown - Mother Popcorn (1969)

One button Suits VS Two Button Suits VS Three Button Suits

This question came from yourfavoritewritersfavoriter:

“What is your opinion of the 1 button suit?”

Funny you ask, I have been rocking tons of One Buttons lately and chopping it up like a chainsaw thru Nutella. (And I love Nutella.)

Although I am no fashion historian, I would say it goes like this:

One Button Suit: Kind of Jazz man smooth. Rat pack steez. Stylishly sleek. Good for picking up Models and Nightlife Princesses. For the Nightshift. Swooping fly girls on the veranda overlooking the Med. Suit worn not because you have to wear a suit for work.

Two Button Suit: Universal. Biz Stilo. Works well on all builds. Good all around battle tested swoop gear. Timeless. JFK.

Three Button Suit: 60’s Mod style. Good for taller cats. Can be Rakish.

Side note:

Four Button Suit: NFL wide receiver. A la Michael Irvin.

Five Button Suit (and up): Hoops. Charles Oakley.

But Like my Grandfather always told me; “Style and Taste are for men. Trends and Fashion are for the ladies.” G’s stick with Style and Taste.

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Commodores - Nightshift

Liars poker

Down Economy: Bar Poaching

Its no secret that I am not a fan of credit cards. I prefer CASH.

With the Down Economy, younger G’s I know have been telling me about a phenomenon that has been gathering speed: Bar Poaching.

Yet another reason not to use credit cards

Bar Poaching is when someone at the bar overhears the name on your tab and continues to order drinks on your tab.

And at the end of the night when you go to pay, you get racked. Unless of course, you are using a fake credit card, which is acceptable.

You have been warned.

Just hope people the poachers don’t hit you for Bottle Service, credit card guy.

CASH has way more style points anyway.

Side Note:

I don’t Bar Poach. I can afford drinks. Furthermore, I get pro-bono’d almost everywhere anyways.

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Gemini & Lupe Fiasco - We On

Wale disses Ed Hardy

The G Manifesto’s Best Break out Hip-Hop Artist, Wale disses Ed Hardy.

Great work.

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

wale - Get throwed

Wale & 9th Wonder - HHG Freestyle

Wale’s Elitaste disses Ed Hardy

It’s not secret that I have distain for Ed Hardy and “Ed Hardy Guy” and have waged a personal war against the latter. (Just like I waged a victorious campaign against “Shiny Shirt Guy”, “Trucker Hat Guy” and “Striped Shirt Guy” before him.)

Chris R sent me the info on Elitaste dissing Ed Hardy:

Let’s face it, most of the people who read this site probably hate Ed Hardy as much as Wale does. I used to hate Ed Hardy. And don’t get me wrong, you would never catch me wearing it. But here’s what I’ve realized about Ed Hardy (and you can throw Von Dutch, Christian Audigier and Affliction in there too), as much as I hate them, never before has a clothing company told you so much about the person wearing it. With the rise of streetwear over the past few years, you have all these kids aspiring to be something or associated with something, but with Ed Hardy, there is like ZERO irony in wearing it. People genuinely think it’s cool. They aren’t TRYING to be cool. They actually think they’ve achieved coolness and that Ed Hardy is the tits when it comes to t-shirts (or trucker hats with roses and rhinestones). The poor decision-making that goes into incorporating Ed Hardy into a wardrobe is very telling about someone’s taste and thought process. With that said, I have turned my disdain of Ed Hardy into something of a human litmus test; a sort of fashion iodine that exposes douchebaggery. Although I think athletes can be exempted from this, as I saw Michael Beasley get turned away from Villa (a very hot club in LA) for wearing Ed Hardy. He just doesn’t know any better.

Source

It’s about time. Maybe the world is changing.

For the better.

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Wale Feat Duffy - Warwick Avenue

Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach Back in Action

MARILYN RUBINSON recalls her stays at the Fontainebleau hotel as a series of high-fashion snapshots. There were afternoons at the cabana, “a blue hotel towel wrapped around my head like a turban and wearing high-heeled Lucite shoes,” she said. There were evenings at the Gigi Room, rubbing shoulders with New York’s dashing mayor, John V. Lindsay; and she remembers sweeping down the dramatic lobby staircase in a form-fitting, stone-colored gown. “In those days everyone made an entrance,” Mrs. Rubinson, 84, said. “I made lots of entrances.”

In that heady era the hotel was the diadem of Miami resorts, a 560-foot-long, sickle-shaped showplace dominating the Collins Avenue waterfront, where Miamians like the Rubinsons, who own a chain of clothing stores, and well-to-do snowbirds came in the winter to roost.

“Everyone who was anyone was there,” Mrs. Rubinson said. “People wore black tie and jewelry. Everyone was young.”

And everyone lived large at the flamboyant resort, conceived from its outset to evoke a modern Versailles. “It was the place for entertainment, for glamour — an icon even among the locals,” said Cathy Leff, the director of the Wolfsonian museum of design here. “Even now if one asks, ‘Within the city of Miami Beach, what is the most important landmark in the popular imagination?’ it would be the Fontainebleau.”

Can an icon of the past be restored to its former glory? New owners and architects of the Fontainebleau have invested $1 billion to buy and restore it in the conviction that it can. Its original fusion of Modernist rigor and Hollywood cheek, dreamed up by the maverick architect Morris Lapidus, was derided as Bronx baroque, until the singular style of Miami Beach was rediscovered by the Ian Schrager generation.

“In its day in the ’50s and ’60s, the Fontainebleau was state of the art in glamour,” said Jeffrey Beers, the New York architect responsible for an extensive update of the interior. “We would like to restore that in spirit.”

When the refurbished resort is officially unveiled on Nov. 14 with a series of parties and a taping for television of a Victoria’s Secret fashion show — perfect! — visitors will be able to judge for themselves if the mission succeeded. Even recently, as the hotel was still a construction site, it was clear that the old duchess had flounced out her skirts.

“How many places like this can you go in America that are not in the desert?” said Jeffrey Soffer, executive chairman and majority partner of Fontainebleau Resorts, which is building a Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Indeed, as he strolled the raised oceanfront walkway that overlooks the property, it was obvious the resort had much in common with over-the-top hotels on the Strip.

Mel Dick, who moved to Miami from Brooklyn in the ’60s, visited on his honeymoon. He recalled being drawn to a sign outside the hotel barbershop that beckoned, “Come and have your shoes shined by the former lightweight champion of the world.” It was Sidney Walker, known as Beau Jack, recalled Mr. Dick, a wine company executive. “I sat down in the seat and I gave him five dollars. I told him: ‘I don’t want you to shine my shoes. I just want to look at you.’ ”

Source

I love the Fontainebleau Hotel and I can’t wait for opening day.

My Grandfather had sparred with Beau Jack in NYC when they were both youngsters. I remember my Grandfather (old-school G and head breaker with IRA connects) told me a story of how he saw Beau Jack shining shoes at Fontainebleau Hotel.

After saying hello to his old friend, my Grandfather offered to shine Beau Jack’s shoes. G move to the fullest.

Respect.

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Scarface-Maria Conchita Vamos A Bailar

Is the Art World’s Bull Market Over?

Everyone who is anyone in the art world was in London last week for a series of sales and fairs.

The trouble is, too many collectors left their checkbook behind in the clearest sign yet that the global financial crisis has finally caught up with the art world. Experts warn that things are likely to get tougher.

A far bigger test for a market which had largely defied the gravity of economic gloom comes next month, when Sotheby’s and Christie’s, the two dominant auction houses, hold major sales in New York. The Art Basel Miami Beach show follows in December.

“Now is not a brilliant time to be selling — people are facing such a complicated financial situation they are not prepared to do anything,” said Philip Hoffman, chief executive of the Fine Art Fund Group.

“The market place is much tougher, and in light of what’s happened in the financial markets, the art market cannot be immune to it. Liquidity is tighter everywhere.”

Source

Art world’s test

I think Sotheby’s and Christie’s will undoubtbly be effected by the Down Economy.

But like anything, if the price is right, now is the time to be buying.

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Guest Manifesto: ENTER ACTION WITH BOLDNESS

By DevX

(Click Here for The G Manifesto’s Best Halloween Costumes to Swoop Girls)

(Click Here for DevX’s Guest Manifesto: Bold Men CREATE Opportunities)

Most men are born timid, chances are — you were too. Most societies across the world today have promoted a culture of political correctness, conflict aversion, trend following, and a desire to be liked by all. And this isn’t entirely a bad thing. Going down this path will get you an OK house in the suburbs with a plain wife, 2.5 kids, and a dog named Spot. If this is a lifestyle you desire, stop reading now. For my real and aspiring G’s, please continue…

Bold Men Have Wills of Steel

One of my favorite UFC Fighters when I had time to watch TV was Tito Ortiz. The guy was a beast unleashed and if you had the misfortune of getting in his way when he was on a rampage, you were going to pay. He had a quote, which I try to live by that says: “RESPECT: I don’t earn it; I just fuckin take it!” But even as much as I admired the rawness of this cat, there’s another lesser known UFC Fighter who was a true man of boldness. Lee Murray. Let that name marinate for a bit.

Back in 2002, outside a London nightclub, Tito and Lee exchanged words, which eventually led to blows. Tito let out a left-right combo which both missed Lee. Lee then followed up with a 5 punch combo that knocked Tito the fuck out. COLD.

If that was the end of the story, he’d be an interesting side note in UFC history. But its what Lee did after which really impressed me with the strength of this man’s character (whether you agree with the DIRECTION of his character is another matter altogether).

In 2006, Lee was the alleged (ha! I love this word) mastermind behind the 53 million Pound CASH robbery from a British bank (about $100M US). He then fled to Morocco, which coincidentally(?) has no extradition treaty with England. The British gov’t has been coming after Lee since the robbery, but the Moroccan gov’t has steadily refused to give up Mr. Murray. (Side note: There are two women I have ever met that have given me the “Thunderbolt”, one was Moroccan.)

Lesson: I’m not recommending anyone going out and pull heists. Most people who try this would probably drop the ball and end up behind in the back seat of a squad car. What I DO recommend is that you find where you have an edge and adopt a mentality with an will of steel that was required for Lee to pull off what’s he’s done…while he was STILL in his 20’s. You have to have an unbendable vision of what you want, and anyone that stands in your way has to be dealt with accordingly.

Caution: Boldness without planning, boldness without information is leveraged stupidity. Do NOT do this. This is like doubling down when you have no edge. You will lose. Notice that Lee had a well executed after plan. Unlike many of the smash and grab low level criminals you find in major cities, he didn’t go back to his apartment or his mom’s house. He got out the country and went to a non-extradition country.

To win at chess, you have to see several moves ahead and anticipate your opponent’s move. If you don’t have the wisdom, the time, the STRENGTH OF WILL, and/or the balls to do this, stick to Checkers.

Source: Story adapted from 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

By DevX

ill bill & the beatnuts - yae yo

Guest Manifesto: Bold Men CREATE Opportunities

By DevX

In 1925, 5 highly successful scrap metal dealers in France were invited to an official and highly confidential meeting with the “Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Post and Telegraphs” at the Hotel Crillon, then the most luxurious hotel in Paris. (Imagine this). The men had NO idea why they were invited and were overwhelmed with curiosity. Eventually, the director stepped into the room and addressed the men. He told the men that the French Government had decided to tear down the Eiffel Tower . Maintenance costs were too high, the gov’t was in debt and simply wouldn’t put up the money to upkeep it. At the time (this was in the 1920’s) Parisians thought the tower was a boondoggle, and eyesore, so this plan made sense at the time. The dealers saw this as a golden opportunity and saw they could make a killing selling the scrap metal on the open market.

The director invited all five men to propose bids on the project. Each of the 5 put in high bids hoping they would be the one to edge out the others and get this lucrative contract. After all the bids came in, it turns out Mr. P, one of the 5 dealers had the highest bid. He was invited to come back to the hotel with a certified check for 250,000 francs (about $1M today) to make a 25% downpayment on the total deal. After the deal was wrapped up, Mr. P waited, and waited….and waited to hear back from the director. He never heard back from him again. It turns out there was no such position as a “Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Post and Telegraphs” and that the government had no plans to tear down the Eiffel Tower!!

Lesson: The Director’s, real name, Count Victor Lustig, was a con artist extraordinaire, and he won big because he thought big. He had the BALLS to have a vision so extraordinary, that no one ever thought to question it. He even played the role of a government official to a T, having the creativity to even ask the winner of the bid for a small bribe to establish believability. Great men of history see beyond what others think impossible. Could you sell the Eiffel Tower?

Source: Story adapted from 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

By DevX

Guru Feat. MC Solaar - Le Bien, Le Mal

Block the Vote: Rolling Stone, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Greg Palast

Allegations of voter fraud are only the latest rationale the GOP has used to disenfranchise voters — especially blacks, Hispanics and others who traditionally support Democrats. “The Republicans have a long history of erecting barriers to discourage Americans from voting,” says Donna Brazile, chair of the Voting Rights Institute for the Democratic National Committee. “Now they’re trying to spook Americans with the ghost of voter fraud. It’s very effective — but it’s ironic that the only way they maintain power is by using fear to deprive Americans of their constitutional right to vote.” The recently enacted barriers thrown up to deter voters include:

1. Obstructing Voter-Registration Drives

Since 2004, the Bush administration and more than a dozen states have taken steps to impede voter registration. Among the worst offenders is Florida, where the Republican-dominated legislature created hefty fines — up to $5,000 per violation — for groups that fail to meet deadlines for turning in voter-application forms. Facing potentially huge penalties for trivial administrative errors, the League of Women Voters abandoned its voter-registration drives in Florida. A court order eventually forced the legislature to reduce the maximum penalty to $1,000. But even so, said former League president Dianne Wheatley-Giliotti, the reduced fines “create an unfair tax on democracy.” The state has also failed to uphold a federal law requiring that low-income voters be offered an opportunity to register when they apply for food stamps or other public assistance. As a result, the annual number of such registrations has plummeted from more than 120,000 in the Clinton years to barely 10,000 today.

2. Demanding “Perfect Matches”

Under the Help America Vote Act, some states now reject first-time registrants whose data does not correspond to information in other government databases. Spurred by HAVA, almost every state must now attempt to make some kind of match — and four states, including the swing states of Iowa and Florida, require what is known as a “perfect match.” Under this rigid framework, new registrants can lose the right to vote if the information on their voter-registration forms — Social Security number, street address and precisely spelled name, right down to a hyphen — fails to exactly match data listed in other government records.

There are many legitimate reasons, of course, why a voter’s information might vary. Indeed, a recent study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that as many as 20 percent of discrepancies between voter records and driver’s licenses in New York City are simply typing mistakes made by government clerks when they transcribe data. But under the new rules, those mistakes are costing citizens the right to vote. In California, a Republican secretary of state blocked 43 percent of all new voters in Los Angeles from registering in early 2006 — many because of the state’s failure to produce a tight match. In Florida, GOP officials created “match” rules that rejected more than 15,000 new registrants in 2006 and 2007 — nearly three-fourths of them Hispanic and black voters. Given the big registration drives this year, the number could be five times higher by November.

Continue Reading

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is my personal favorite political figure. I have met him many times and heard him speak many times. The guy is first class.

His environmental work and writings on Media are G Manifesto Certified on the real.

Riverkeeper

http://www.stealbackyourvote.org

http://www.ringoffireradio.com

The Rest is Up to You…

Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Blocking the vote Rachel Maddow Robert F. Kennedy Jr